Can't tell

jolly wattles

Songster
6 Years
Apr 27, 2017
555
520
211
West Tennessee
Is this molting? Had one hem a month now with our flock of ten. She's real lethargic and stays to herself. The first 2 days she laid but nothing since. She eats and drinks but isn't keen on treats. Mind you she's low on the pecking order.
400
 
Hmm.. molting usually starts around the neck and works it's way down to the back and rump. This seems a bit different. Have you seen any of the other chickens pecking her? Feather pecking can start because of boredom, and nutrient deficiency. (We have been dealing with feather pecking). If so, try feeding sunflower seeds, and putting a bit on the bully chicken.
 
Well she is on the low pecking order. But they don't peck there really. I'm thinking maybe she's just old as the lady we got her from has a chicken farm with lots of roosters. She kinda always had that spot so I figures she's been mated hard and just old now. But she did lay the first couple days so I'm just baffled.
 
Moving to a new place can stop laying, it's stressful, especially a single hen integration.

Those first two eggs?
First one started forming before you brought her home, the second may have been released before she started being seriously stressed.

Those feathers won't grow back until she molts.

A lethargic bird could well be ill...who knows what pests or disease she may have brought with her.
Again, stress from being moved can allow dormant disease to 'bloom' and/or make her susceptible to something your flock may be carrying.

First check her over for bugs:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?
Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.
Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).
Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

If you do find some...check out this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom